Takeaway firms contribute £9bn to UK economy

Britain’s fast food industry is worth £9 billion to the UK economy, with small, family-run takeaway businesses hiring 220,000 new employees in 2014, according to a report commissioned by Just Eat.

The Takeaway Economy report was conducted by independent economists the Centre for Economic and Business Research (Cebr).

The report found that fast food employment rose by 10 per cent from 2012 to 2014 and by nearly 17 per cent between 2009 and 2014. According to the report, another 30,000 jobs are expected to be created within the takeaway industry in the next five years.

‘‘We know takeaways contribute a huge amount to our culture but what many don’t realise is the enormous impact takeaway restaurants – often small, independent, and family-run – make to our economy,’’ said Graham Corfield, UK managing director of Just Eat.

Over £4bn in Gross Value Added (GVA) was contributed to the UK economy last year by local firms, which is the equivalent to one eighth (12.5 per cent) of the entire food services sector.

As a result of this huge success within the industry, Just Eat has launched the British Takeaway Awards – the first ever multi-cuisine takeaway awards in the UK.

The awards will take place on the 9th November at The Savoy in London, where 250 takeaway groups will come together to celebrate the success of Britain’s best independent takeaway businesses.

Ibrahim Dogus, founder and director of the Centre for Turkey Studies and the British Kebab Awards has welcomed the Just Eats’ announcement:

“As an entrepreneur and supporter of small businesses, I understand the hard work and contribution independent local takeaways bring to their community. It’s important for the entire industry to come together to celebrate their focus on quality.’’

‘‘I welcome the launch of the British Takeaway Awards and look forward to celebrating the industry’s success in providing customers with great tasting food and excellent service.”